BOTTOM LINE: A perfect choice for an October date or night out with friends.

Few theatrical experiences give the visceral thrills of a haunted house. But blame on it the whir of chainsaws, the groping around in the dark, or perhaps the experience of being chased by an axe-murderer, the adrenaline kick is incredible. Killers: A Nightmare Haunted House provides an evening of solid entertainment that will whisk viewers away from the relative safety of New York streets.

Located in the Clemente Soto Velez Cultural and Educational Center, the experience focuses on famous serial killers throughout history. Walking into the waiting room, pictures and artwork of Ed Gein, and Charles Manson line the wall -- it’s creepy stuff to see before willingly stepping into a dark room with strangers.

Participants are let inside in small groups (ours included seven people), and are allowed to decide in advance if they’d like to participate. Even ‘non-participants’ will have actors right up in their face, so this show is not for the faint of heart. Many of the exhibits rely on surprise, so the less specifics I give, the more terrifying your experience will be. Suffice to say, all the most notorious serial killers make an appearance, from Jack the Ripper to the Zodiac Killer, all the way through to Dexter.

But is it really scary? You probably (and hopefully) won’t lose control of your bladder, but even the most hardened thrill seeker will probably feel a bit weak at their knees at some point. Highlights include Elizabeth Bathory, Lizzy Borden, and Ed Gein. You can expect to feel lost, disoriented, and probably watch at least one of your friends scream their head off.

(Killers: A Nightmare Haunted House plays at Clemente Soto Velez Cultural and Educational Center (CSV) located at 107 Suffolk Street between Rivington and Delancey, through November 3, 2012. See website for showtimes as start times vary. Tickets start at $30, $15 for student rush. Tickets can be purchased online at hauntedhousenyc.com/tickets/.For more show info visit hauntedhousenyc.com/.)